David A. Lemmink

Hello again,  a lot has happened since I last posted.

We have be in contact with all 3 doctors and have learned that David’s main tumor has shrunk.  Thank God! When he had his first scan it measured 7.6 cm.  At his last scan it was 5.5 cm.  They all feel that is significant and we are so happy to have such a positive response to the chemotherapy!  Prayers of thanks are in order!

Dr. Brinker has spoken with both Dr. O’Dorisio and Dr. Iannettoni and the consensus is that we are moving forward towards surgery.  As you may recall, when we went to Iowa for our first visit, Dr. Iannettoni told us he was uncomfortable and unable to remove the tumor because of the size and location.  He now feels that because of the positive response and amount of shrinkage, that he is now feeling confident that surgery is our next step.

In our conversation with Dr. Brinker last Friday evening, he told us that if David has more chemotherapy it would not necessarily show the same positive response that we have already seen.  The thing with chemo is that it works for a time, and then the bad begins to outweigh the good.  Having more chemo would raise his toxicity levels too high and he is uncomfortable with continuing.  Thank God for that too.  Being done with chemo is a blessing!  Even though David tolerated it so well, it does not mean that it was easy and he is so thankful to be done.

So, now we wait to hear from the doctors when the surgery can be scheduled.  It may take a while as they are very busy!  I will keep you updated, but until we hear, not much will happen.

David will continue with his monthly Sandostatin shot which also is very helpful…….and we wait.

Thank you always for your prayers and support.

Love, Connie